In 1977 Memorial University established an Institute of Northern and Labrador Studies. The Northern Medicine and Health Program was its first program. On 23-25 June 1977, Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) and the International Grenfell Association (IGA) held a conference in Corner Brook to review Health Care in the Northern part of the province. In the following year, another conference was held, this time in Goose Bay, Labrador. Delegates from MUN, IGA, along with representatives of the communities of Labrador and Northern Newfoundland attended. Again, it was confirmed that this program would be beneficial for the people living in the Northern part of the province. An international search ensued for a Director for the program. Dr. John R. Martin was appointed on 1 October 1978. 

The university recommended to discontinue the program effective 31 December 1984 due to a number of changes that had occurred since the program began, such as improvements in technology and expanded health care services. 

Proceedings Conference on Northern Medicine and Health, June 23-25, 1977 

Northern Medicine and Health Conference Photographs, 1977

Dr. Ian Rusted’s “Address to the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies,” 1978

Terms of Reference for the program of Northern Medicine and Health, 1979

Correspondence

21 November 1978

31 July 1979

18 September 1984

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Biographical Sketch:  Dr. John R. Martin